MANILA, Philippines — The Department of Health (DOH) on Thursday implored all concerned government agencies to enable COVID-19 positive individuals “to vote safely, without spreading the virus” in the nearing national and local elections.
This came after the Commission on Elections (Comelec) earlier announced that it will allow COVID-positive individuals to vote in isolation polling places (IPP) on election day, May 9.
“The DOH urges all concerned to enable any Filipinos under quarantine or isolation for COVID-19 on Election Day to be able to cast their vote safely and without spreading the virus,” the DOH said in a statement.
While stating that it will not stop any Filipino from exercising their right to vote, the DOH, however, pressed that individuals positive for COVID-19 should still “strongly refrain going outside and remain in isolation while recovering,” as stated and required in DOH’s guidelines of isolation and quarantine for COVID-19 response and case management.
The Department goes on to say that Republic Act No. 11332 empowers the DOH and its local counterparts to impose quick containment, quarantine and isolation, and disease prevention and control measures.
“The same statute prohibits and penalizes non-cooperation of those affected by a health event of public concern, of which the current pandemic is an example,” the DOH said.
Apart from announcing that it would COVID-19 positive individuals to vote, Comelec also remained firm that the May 9 polls will not be postponed even in the event that there is a COVID-19 case surge.
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